Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe: Pure Comfort

Nestled within the world of comforting slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken breast dishes lies a culinary gem waiting to surprise you.

Pasta lovers and home cooks rejoice at this simple yet elegant meal.

Tender chicken bathes in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers of italian countryside kitchens.

Fresh basil adds bright, herbaceous notes to each delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.

Weekends feel effortless when such deliciousness requires just a few ingredients and some patient simmering.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses without demanding hours of kitchen labor.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With This Chicken Dish

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy tomato sauce, cutting through richness with bright, zesty notes.

Toasted artisan bread with roasted garlic provides a crunchy texture contrast and helps soak up the delicious sauce.

Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish’s creamy consistency, adding a peppery and refreshing element to the meal.

Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that enhances the tomato and basil flavors, elevating the overall taste profile.

Storing Tomato Basil Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) for food safety.

• Can I substitute evaporated milk?

Yes, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half as alternatives. For a lighter version, use whole milk or low-fat milk, though the sauce might be less creamy.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Always use bone-in or skin-on chicken breasts, and avoid overcooking. The slow cooker’s low and slow method helps keep the chicken moist and tender.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast That Delights

• Simplify Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the hard work, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this creamy chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad, making it perfect for different tastes and preferences.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein and vibrant tomato flavors, this dish delivers a wholesome meal that keeps everyone satisfied and happy.
• Stress-Free Meal Prep: Minimal chopping and just a few simple steps mean you can have a restaurant-quality dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients To Prepare Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of this comforting slow cooker dish.
• Tomato Pasta Sauce: Provides a rich, flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh tomato flavor to the sauce.

• Evaporated Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy consistency for the sauce.
• Corn Starch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a velvety texture.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil: Infuse the dish with aromatic and classic Italian flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

How To Cook Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato pasta sauce
• Garlic
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Dried basil
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well mixed and create a delicious base for your chicken.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Mixture

• Evaporated milk
• Corn starch

Mix until the mixture becomes completely smooth.

Pour this creamy blend into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to integrate with the tomato sauce.

Step 3: Nestle Chicken into Sauce

Gently place chicken breasts into the slow cooker.

Press them down slightly so they are completely covered by the flavorful sauce, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat.

Allow the chicken to simmer for 3-5 hours. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Cooking duration might vary depending on your slow cooker’s size and fullness.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once cooking is complete, stir in fresh basil leaves.

Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad and roasted vegetables.

Tips To Nail Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Whisk evaporated milk or cream with cornstarch before adding to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (75C) for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant flavor and bright green color.
• Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer taste or use turkey breast for a leaner option.
• If sauce is too thin, remove lid during last 30 minutes of cooking to help thicken the mixture naturally.

Flavorful Variations To Try On Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace Italian seasoning with Greek oregano and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use cornstarch to maintain creamy texture while keeping the recipe lactose-free.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a zesty, heat-packed chicken dish that brings extra excitement to the meal.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken breasts with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks, adjusting cooking time to ensure proper tenderness and flavor absorption.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken breast delivers Italian-inspired comfort right to kitchen tables. Creamy, herbal sauce mingles with tender chicken, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tomato-Based Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 398 milliliters) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Combine diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper in a 3-6 quart slow cooker, creating a robust tomato base with aromatic herbs.
2. Whisk evaporated milk with cornstarch in a separate bowl until completely smooth, then gently incorporate into the tomato mixture, ensuring a uniform, creamy consistency.
3. Carefully nestle chicken breasts into the sauce, pressing lightly to ensure they are fully submerged and coated with the flavorful liquid.
4. Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-5 hours, monitoring until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), keeping in mind that cooking duration depends on slow cooker size and capacity.
5. After cooking, delicately fold in fresh basil leaves, releasing their vibrant aroma and adding a final layer of herbaceous brightness to the dish.
6. Plate the creamy tomato basil chicken over your preferred accompaniment such as pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad and seasonal vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Whisk the evaporated milk or cream with cornstarch before adding to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor or use turkey breast for a leaner alternative.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch amount based on desired sauce consistency – less for a thinner sauce, more for a thicker coating.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or add red pepper flakes before serving to enhance the dish’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (or 5 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 247 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg